Jelgavas Tehnoloģiju vidusskola in Latvia is pioneering a new educational approach by integrating balance board exercises into the classroom experience. This innovative method focuses on the principles of balance and movement coordination, enhancing the learning environment for second graders who often struggle to remain seated for long periods of time. The use of balance boards during music classes allows for physical activity while engaging in singing, thus keeping students active and facilitating better concentration and cognitive function.

The developer of this teaching method, clinical educational psychologist Baiba Blomniece-Jurāne, has dedicated over a decade to researching the benefits of movement for brain activation. According to her, children today may find it challenging to stay still due to an inherent need for more active and intense engagement to stimulate their brain functions. The approach aims not just to make learning more enjoyable but also to address the modern child's need for movement, emphasizing that traditional subjects like math might not capture their attentiveness effectively.

Student feedback has been positive, with young learners like Gabriels expressing excitement about the new method. The balance board activity appears to serve as a bridge between physical and cognitive development, suggesting a promising direction for future teaching practices in Latvia and beyond. As this method gains traction, it could potentially reshape educational strategies to better cater to the needs and learning styles of contemporary students, helping to foster both creativity and concentration in the learning process.